Injured Kolbe returns to Springbok camp

South Africa's double World Cup-winning wing Cheslin Kolbe has rejoined the Springbok training camp in a bid to overcome the injury that has ruled him out of this month's test against Wales, SA Rugby announced on Thursday.

Cheslin Kolbe will complete his rehab for a knee injury with the #Springboks in Pretoria - more here: https://t.co/z56OSwU6sE 👍#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/rVvB72SJXh

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 13, 2024

Kolbe left the camp on Monday for tests on a "knee niggle" that he picked up while playing for his Japanese club Tokyo Sungoliath.

The 30-year-old will miss the World Cup winners' test against Wales at Twickenham on June 22 but is aiming to be fit to face Ireland in July.

SA Rugby said Kolbe "will do his rehabilitation under the supervision of the Bok medical staff with an eye on possibly being available for selection for the opening test against Ireland".

South Africa play Ireland, the only team to beat the Boks at the 2023 World Cup, in two tests at Pretoria and Durban.

They also face Portugal in a one-off test before they embark on the Rugby Championship, which involves six matches against Australia, arch-rivals New Zealand and Argentina in August and September.

The four-time world champions then take on Scotland, England and Wales during a November tour of Europe.